How does a bodybuilder know when they have progressed from a beginner to intermediate level of exercise? Basically, what says it's okay to try an intermediate or advance level workout routine?
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Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
- Thread starter Max. Q
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Benching under 200 is beginner.
Between 200 and 350 is intermediate.
350+ is advanced.
In all seriousness, there is no gold standard. Besides, when someone calls such and such an "intermediate" workout what does that really mean?
People can and do debate optimal workouts anyway.
Bottom line. Newbies should start with the basics. Keeps sets and reps relatively low, and IMO, train each bodypart frequently.
As you learn muscle control and the mind-muscle connection (you can FEEL the muscle work -- including your lats) you want to train less frequently with slightly more work.
As you get more advanced you want to switch up routines every other month or so too.
As you get more advanced and you learn to train with real intensity (see DVLMS's sig for my definition thereof) you will want to further decrease frequency AND decrease volume AND continually increase intensity.
That's my opinion.
Between 200 and 350 is intermediate.
350+ is advanced.
In all seriousness, there is no gold standard. Besides, when someone calls such and such an "intermediate" workout what does that really mean?
People can and do debate optimal workouts anyway.
Bottom line. Newbies should start with the basics. Keeps sets and reps relatively low, and IMO, train each bodypart frequently.
As you learn muscle control and the mind-muscle connection (you can FEEL the muscle work -- including your lats) you want to train less frequently with slightly more work.
As you get more advanced you want to switch up routines every other month or so too.
As you get more advanced and you learn to train with real intensity (see DVLMS's sig for my definition thereof) you will want to further decrease frequency AND decrease volume AND continually increase intensity.
That's my opinion.
Couldn't have said it any better Twin P! 
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I'm an intermediate, probably always will be, Geez 350lb,
Do I look like Gopro or somethin!
Your a monster TP!! 
Maybe one day, I've got a good chest but benching just doesn't seem to be my strong point, I'm more of a deadlift man.
Maybe one day, I've got a good chest but benching just doesn't seem to be my strong point, I'm more of a deadlift man.
Originally posted by Scotty the Body
Your a monster TP!!
Maybe one day, I've got a good chest but benching just doesn't seem to be my strong point, I'm more of a deadlift man.
Who says I was talking about me? There are plenty of big mofos around here.
My dead is relatively weak. I can maybe dead 50-60 more pounds than my bench.
My max bench is probably around 285, I haven't tried a one rep max in years but my 2 rep max on deads is 505 so there is a big difference on that for me.
Originally posted by Prince
I have been advanced my whole life, never a beginner.
yeh but what about your lifting?.........he he he
Thats a joke, I've seen your pics.
You! 
Its no joke Prince, didn't you get the memo??
Okay refined version.
Less than your bodyweight = beginner
Bodyweight to 1.5 times bodyweight intermediate
1.5 - 2 times bodyweight advanced
2X and up = Superhuman
Kidding? Who was kidding?
Less than your bodyweight = beginner
Bodyweight to 1.5 times bodyweight intermediate
1.5 - 2 times bodyweight advanced
2X and up = Superhuman
Kidding? Who was kidding?
there is no objective measure for beginner, intermediate or advanced lifter.
you could base it on strength, size, or experience, but even then how could you come up with a formula?
you could base it on strength, size, or experience, but even then how could you come up with a formula?
Originally posted by Twin Peak
Okay refined version.
Less than your bodyweight = beginner
Bodyweight to 1.5 times bodyweight intermediate
1.5 - 2 times bodyweight advanced
2X and up = Superhuman
Kidding? Who was kidding?
True, there is no exact formula but I think this is probably as close to one as your going to get.
Dr. Pain
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This is extremely difficult to articulate..........
The divisions are not "clear cut".....and can not be measured in time or dues (some people can't even get out of their own way after 20 years of training)
II's a continuum....a constant progression of learning. Learning about "form, function, and structure"....how to form the Mind-Muscle connnection. How to contract, stretch and manipulate one's musculature as Sculptor would sculpt.
Once ego is cast aside or checked at the door, a person basically knows where the have been (prospective).......where the are going....and at what level they are at!
DP
The divisions are not "clear cut".....and can not be measured in time or dues (some people can't even get out of their own way after 20 years of training)
II's a continuum....a constant progression of learning. Learning about "form, function, and structure"....how to form the Mind-Muscle connnection. How to contract, stretch and manipulate one's musculature as Sculptor would sculpt.
Once ego is cast aside or checked at the door, a person basically knows where the have been (prospective).......where the are going....and at what level they are at!
DP
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Super what Prince? 
thanksJeeze, I guess I'll be a beginner for a LOOOOOOONG time! (going from TP's formula) 
(going from TP's formula) 